Saver lets people breathe while escaping fires

While a smoke detector can certainly provide you with an early warning in the event of a house fire, it can't usually do much to help you get out of the building once that fire is underway. That's why Toronto-based startup Safety iQ developed the Saver. It's a portable device that reportedly allows users to breathe safely in smoke-filled environments, while also serving as a flashlight and alarm.

Here's how the Saver works ...

When the user needs to get out of their home, they start by removing the optional flashlight/alarm module from the main Saver filtration unit – presumably the device will be stored someplace close at hand, such as in a nightstand. They can subsequently use the 3-LED flashlight to help them see through the smoke, with the alarm potentially helping firefighters to locate them.

Before heading out, though, they first apply the supplied nose clip, take the end cap off the filtration unit, then place its mouthpiece in their mouth and start breathing. The device's filtration system consists of three filters – a pre-filter for catching smoke and dust particles, a hopcalite filter for neutralizing carbon monoxide, and a HEPA filter for trapping toxic fumes.

According to the company, the Saver should allow users to breathe easily in a burning building – with no long-term health effects – for up to five minutes. It has a shelf life of 3.5 years, and should be discarded after its first use.

Safety iQ is currently raising production funds for the Saver, on Indiegogo. Assuming everything goes according to plans, a pledge of US$49 will get you a filter-only device, with $75 required for a filter/flashlight combo. The planned retail prices are $69 and $99, respectively.